Accessibility

The majority of the population in Western Europe, across all income and age groups, subscribe to a mobile service.

But access is not always equal because of cost and geography. We try to limit the impact of this ‘digital divide’.

In all our markets, we offer our customers pre-pay packages that enable users to control the costs of using a mobile without committing themselves to a contract-based post-pay deal.

We examine ways to make our services more inclusive, particularly for those with special needs and for whom a mobile phone can contribute significantly to a challenging lifestyle.

We make special provisions already – like invoicing in Braille, larger text size and audio options for people with visual impairment – but we want to do more.

‘As a deaf journalist, my mobile phone is vital. One of the best deals I have found is O2’s online offer with 600 free texts a month for as little as £20 line rental. I sometimes send 800 text messages a month so this has been a tremendous help.

My phone bill has been reduced by up to 75% and I can now keep in touch with all my friends and family, holding proper text message conversations without worrying about a massive bill. Now I have the means of communicating effortlessly without struggling with telephone calls.’
Molly Haynes, journalist, on text services for deaf people.

Accessibility websites

In the UK and Ireland, we have launched tailored accessibility areas on our customer websites, aimed at improving the information we provide for customers with disabilities. These websites offer practical advice on how to make the most of your mobile phone, with specific guidance if you are blind or visually impaired; deaf or hard of hearing; or for those with mobility or dexterity impairments.

We also highlight our range of useful services, such as providing bills in alternative formats like Braille, large print or audio; free directory enquiries for people who can’t use a manual phone book; or the mobile text facility in the UK which allows customers to connect O2 mobile phones to a full-size keyboard to write conversations in real time. 

If you are a UK customer, visit our Access for All website.

If you are a customer in Ireland, have a look at our ‘O2 and Accessibility’ website.

Accessible mobile phones

O2’s businesses in the Czech Republic and Ireland have launched the ‘Emporia Life’ phone – an easy-to-use mobile phone designed for older people or for people with disabilities.

The phone has large keys, a simple menu, a well-lit screen, and comes with an emergency button. To find out more, please visit the customer websites in Ireland or the Czech Republic.

Rewarding good practice in business

To raise awareness of organisations that recognise the contribution made by people with diverse needs and employ disabled people, we are proud sponsors of the Irish O2 Ability Awards.

Telefónica in Spain are keen to adopt our successful programme and will launch their own Ability Awards in 2010.

Customer leaflet

In the UK, we’ve created a customer guide to help people with disabilities choose a mobile phone and make the most of our products and services. You can order a printed copy by emailing cr@o2.com or ask for a Braille, audio or large-print version.